The role of dance/movement therapy in the treatment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia: a mixed methods pilot...

Optimizing psychosocial functioning by reducing the severity of negative symptoms are important outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia. Movement-based interventions could be uniquely capable of addressing the non-verbal nature of negative symptoms.

To examine the treatment effects of a 10-week group dance/movement therapy program on negative symptoms and psychosocial functioning of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.

A mixed methods intervention design (with explanatory intent) was used in which a randomized controlled trial was followed by semi-structured exit interviews. Participants diagnosed with schizophrenia (N = 31) were randomized to two conditions: treatment as usual (TAU) and dance/movement therapy (DMT). Before and after the program participants reported on negative symptoms and psychosocial functioning outcomes. Fifteen participants completed interviews.

Quantitative data showed no improvement nor worsening of clinical status in the DMT group. Qualitative data suggested that participation in DMT had a physical impact, resulted in enhanced interpersonal connectivity, sense of integration, emotional support, and symptom management.

Qualitative but not quantitative findings suggest that DMT has potential to enhance psychosocial functioning and to reduce severity of negative symptoms for schizophrenia.